與新居生活出版人對談

There is something magical and comfortable about second times. The second year at university carries with it knowledge that you succeeded in the first and a confidence you can achieve the same moving forward. The second time visiting a city has a familiarity and ease. The second country to become a citizen of requires a leap of faith and a unique bravery to take yourself out of the comfort zone of a homeland and immerse yourself into a new culture with the hope that this new place will embrace your heritage and welcome you and your family.

Canada is a rich country of builders, starting with a small population and growing into the wonderful environment it evokes today. New Canadians are the builders of railroads, technology, companies, and communities while integrating their own storied culture and enhancing our history and heritage. Save for Louis Riel, we have not had a revolution; and thanks to the pioneers who put Canada at the forefront of human rights and quality of life, Canadian life is filled with wonderfully diverse cultures that bring with them a multitude of opportunities for our families and us.

Yes, the second time is to be savored. It means you enjoyed the first helping at New Years dinner, both Canadian and Chinese, and are still hungry for more. It means that you came back to the city you originally visited and felt as good, if not better than the first time you came. It means the country you chose as your second home was and is as welcoming as it promised. What it also means is the continued publication of Boulevard Chinese, a magazine whose main focus is to showcase Western and Eastern richness, bringing both together for a community of cultural and commercial wealth not to be equaled elsewhere.

The welcome given to the first issue of Boulevard Chinese magazine by the Chinese community has been and continues to be overwhelming. Its conceptual success was greater than we could have ever imagined, and now we bring you our second issue. Like the second year at school, the second visit to a city and the second country you choose to live in, it carries with it a confidence and promise of discovery that can only come from a second edition and for this and all the other richness that elevates Canada, we are grateful. ■